PEOPLE recognised Keighley's unsung heroes at an awards evening organised by the town council.

They filled Victoria Hall for the inaugural Keighley Town Council Community Awards on Friday March 15.

Guests enjoyed a meal and entertainment, along with presentations to winners and runners up in eight categories.

The night was compered by councillors Kaneez Akthar and Emanuele Bernardini and introduced by Keighley town mayor Cllr Fulzar Ahmed and MP John Grogan.

Cllr Ahmed said: "We're holding these awards to connect with different communities, and that's something I also want to do in the two months I have left as mayor.

"Keighley is a brilliant place and I hope the awards can continue next year."

Deputy mayor Peter Corkindale told guests: "This is a night where we celebrate those who do so much for the people of our town.

"People talk about Keighley as if it's some den of iniquity, but when you scratch beneath the surface there's an abundance of good works being done here."

Mr Grogan said those present at the awards were a true reflection of the people who makeup Keighley, adding: "We're going to hear many stories about people who do wonderful things in our town. There's a lot to celebrate tonight."

Entertainment was provided by drummers from Punjabi Roots, dancers from Charlie’s Angels and father and son violinists Mark and James Ostyn.

Among the winners were Zafar Iqbal, chosen for the Life Achievement Award.

Mr Iqbal is a long-serving member of Keighley Muslim Association and was selected for the award for his work to improve relations between people of different faiths.

Town councillor Tufail Khan described Mr Iqbal as a "gentleman", and as someone who always makes himself available to help other people.

The Honorary Civic Award went to Oakworth resident Graham Mitchell, who was a town councillor for 13 years, served as mayor twice and is a former chairman of Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Cllr Michael Westerman, who nominated Mr Mitchell for the accolade, said Mr Mitchell remained involved with so many activities that it would be easier to list what he does not do.

Mr Mitchell stressed his award recognised the many people he works closely with in Keighley, noting: "Keighley has been brilliant at developing a huge network of voluntary sector organisations to reach out and support people, in a wide variety of ways.

"I've been privileged to work in a lot of these organisations, hopefully improving the lives of those around us." 

Cllr Akthar paid tribute to companies that sponsored the occasion and thanked volunteers from Keighley College who helped stage the event.

At the start of the evening, guests and organisers observed a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the New Zealand mosque shootings.

Other award winners and runners up: Neighbour Award – Annette Blackler, winner; Volunteer Award – Claire Young, winner, Dr Adeem Rubani, runner up, Barbara Wood, runner up; Inspiring Teacher – Charlie Rawson, winner, Naz Kazmi, runner up; Sporting Award – John Daly, winner, Saima Hussain, runner up, Carol and David Senior, runners up; Inspiring Young Person – Charlotte Pullen, winner, Evie Parkin, runner up, Laci Parkin, runner up; Community Organisation Award – Keighley 1st Brownies, winner, Get Out More Project, runner up, Flora Jennings of Young Parents Project at Keighley Healthy Living, runner up.